1959 BMW 700 vs. 1985 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1985 Lotus Esprit is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 438 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1985 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 1985 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 700 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 31 L |
